Little Time Left To Review, Compare Medicare Coverage

AARP is reminding and encouraging people on Medicare to consider their options and choose the coverage that best fits their needs during Medicare Open Enrollment which runs through Dec. 7, 2013.

“Once a year people on Medicare have an opportunity to make changes in how they receive their benefits,” said AARP Arizona State Director David Mitchell.

“For example, if they are on Original Medicare, which is Part A and Part B, they can sign up for Part D coverage or move to a Medicare Advantage plan. They can also change from one Part D prescription drug plan to a different one. Open enrollment is the time to carefully consider whether your current Medicare plan meets your needs.”

To review options, people in Medicare can use the Medicare Plan Finder, which can be found at www.medicare.gov. The Web site helps people research prescription drug and health plans that will be available in 2014, compare costs, benefits and quality of each plan and select a plan that is best suited for them.

“Medicare open enrollment is also a good time for people to talk with their doctor, especially if they are taking multiple medications,” added Mitchell.

“Your doctor may be able to help you find lower-cost prescription drug options or eliminate prescriptions that are no longer needed. An accurate personal medication record can save you time and money when searching for a new Medicare plan. The more you learn about your Medicare choices, the better prepared you will be to make the choice that’s right for you during Medicare open enrollment.”

Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7, 2013. Any changes made to coverage during the open enrollment period takes effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Information on Medicare Open Enrollment is available online through the Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan or by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as health care, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. It advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.